Nonplanar panel systems, devices, and methods

ABSTRACT

Implementations of the present invention provide systems, methods, and apparatus for decorating and/or protecting a surface with one or more nonplanar panels. Particularly, the nonplanar panels can form a panel system that can conceal a support surface, structural components or elements, and can provide a decorative façade, and/or protect the underlying structure or components or elements thereof from elements.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Pursuant to Paris Convention, the present application claims the benefit of priority to Chilean Patent Application No. 2168-2012, filed Aug. 3, 2012, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to systems, methods, and apparatus for decorative panel installations that can have nonplanar surface configurations and arrangements.

2. Background and Relevant Art

Recent trends in building design involve adding to the functional and/or aesthetic characteristics of a given structure or design space by mounting one or more decorative panels thereto. In some instances, decorative panels can conceal the underlying structure or support, provide a pleasing aesthetic, and/or protect from elements. For example, panels can have various shapes and geometric configurations that add depth, colors, and other aesthetic features that a designer may desire to create a particular look and feel in a design space.

Decorative panels are particularly useful to designer that may want to add three-dimensional appearance to a structure, such as a wall or ceiling. In particular, designer may use decorative panels to create three-dimensional features with and/or within the panel such that the decorative panel's display surface is not planar. These three-dimensional features create a unique and/or appealing aesthetic.

In some instances, conventional systems and methods of mounting nonplanar panels may be cumbersome and/or difficult to install. Moreover, simplifying installation procedures may, in some cases, reduce the safety or structural soundness of the installation. Accordingly, there are a number of disadvantages in conventional mounting systems for decorative panels that can be addressed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Implementations of the present invention provide systems, methods, and apparatus for decorating and/or protecting a surface with one or more nonplanar panels. Particularly, the nonplanar panels can form a panel system that can conceal a support surface, structural components or elements, and can provide a decorative façade, and/or protect the underlying structure or components or elements thereof from elements. For example, the panel system formed by the nonplanar panels may form or define at least a portion of a façade of a building.

Implementations of the present invention include a panel system for providing concealment, protection, aesthetic enhancement, and combinations thereof for a support surface. The panel system includes a plurality of brackets securable to the support surface. Furthermore, each of the plurality of brackets includes a support portion and a channel defined by a lower portion of a projection connected to or integrated with the support portion. In addition, each of the brackets includes a locking hook extending from a distal end of the lower portion and at least partially enclosing the channel. The panel system also includes a panel having a first edge positionable within the channel and securable therein by the locking hook.

Additional or alternative implementations include another panel system for providing concealment, protection, aesthetic enhancement, and combinations thereof for a support surface. Such panel system includes a frame including a first bracket and a second, opposing bracket. The first bracket includes a first support portion and a first projection defining a first channel therebetween. Moreover, the first projection of the first bracket includes a first locking hook at least partially enclosing the first channel. The second bracket includes a second support portion and a second projection defining a second channel therebetween. In addition, the second projection of the second bracket includes a second locking hook at least partially enclosing the second channel. Furthermore, the panel system includes a nonplanar panel having a first side thereof secured within the first channel and a second, opposing side thereof secured with the second channel. The first side includes a first panel-side lock restrained within the first channel by the first locking hook, and the second side includes a second panel-side lock restrained within the second channel by the second locking hook.

Implementations also include a method of covering or concealing a support surface with nonplanar panels. The method includes securing a first bracket to the support surface. The first bracket has a first channel and a first locking hook at least partially blocking the first channel. The method also includes securing a second bracket to the support surface. The second bracket has a second channel and a second locking hook at least partially blocking the second channel, and a third channel and a third locking hook at least partially blocking the third channel. Moreover, the method includes securing a third bracket to the support surface. The third bracket has a fourth channel and a fourth locking hook at least partially blocking the fourth channel. The method further includes securing a first side of a first panel within the first channel of the first bracket and a second side of the first panel within the second channel of the second bracket. Additionally, the method includes securing a first side of a second panel within the third channel of the second bracket and a second side of the second panel within the fourth channel of the third bracket.

Additional features and advantages of exemplary implementations of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations. The features and advantages of such implementations may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. For better understanding, the like elements have been designated by like reference numbers throughout the various accompanying figures. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a panel system in accordance with one implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial perspective view of brackets in accordance with one implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial perspective view of brackets in accordance with another implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a bracket in accordance with yet one other implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 4B an enlarged perspective view of the bracket of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 illustrates an end vide of a bracket in accordance with yet one other implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 6A illustrates a plan view of an inward facing side of a panel in accordance with one implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 6B illustrates a plan view of an outward facing side of a panel in accordance with one implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 6C illustrates an end view of a panel in a planar configuration in accordance with one implementation of the present invention; and

FIG. 6D illustrates an enlarged partial view of the panel of FIG. 6C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Implementations of the present invention provide systems, methods, and apparatus for decorating and/or protecting a surface with one or more nonplanar panels. Particularly, the nonplanar panels can form a panel system that can conceal a support surface, structural components or elements, and can provide a decorative façade, and/or protect the underlying structure or components or elements thereof from elements. For example, the panel system formed by the nonplanar panels may form or define at least a portion of a façade of a building.

In one or more implementations, the nonplanar panels may connect to a frame and can collectively form the panel system. For instance, the frame can include one or more brackets configured to secure the nonplanar panels, as described below in further detail. An installer can arrange and/or interconnect the brackets in a manner that can allow the installer to secure the nonplanar panels to and/or between the brackets. In one example, two opposing brackets can secure a nonplanar panel therebetween. Implementations can include an approximately rectangular panel secured between two opposing, substantially linear brackets.

Moreover, the installer can arrange the brackets in any number of configurations, such as to create a desirable or suitable pattern or arrangement of the nonplanar panels (e.g., a pattern that may have a desired aesthetic appeal). For example, the installer can arrange the brackets in a manner that allows installation of the nonplanar panels one next to another, such as to form a grid-like configuration. Additionally or alternatively, the nonplanar panels within the panel system may be offset one from another, in a manner that forms an alternating pattern. In any case, the installer and/or architect can include any suitable number of brackets and/or nonplanar panels that can connect to the brackets and may form panel systems of various configurations therewith.

Also, the nonplanar panels can permanently or removably connect to the brackets. In at least one implementation, the nonplanar panels can snap to and/or into the brackets. Additionally or alternatively, the nonplanar panels can be locked, press-fitted, fastened, otherwise secured to the brackets. Implementations also can include an interlocking connection between the nonplanar panels and the brackets. In any event, the installer can easily and securely connect the nonplanar panels to the brackets, which may have a permanent or semi-permanent connection therewith.

FIG. 1 illustrates a partially assembled installation of a panel system 100. In particular, the panel system 100 can include a frame 110 and one or more panels, such as nonplanar panels 120, which can connect to the frame 110. The frame 110 can connect to a support surface, such as a wall, a ceiling, or any other suitable support surface. It should be appreciated that the support surface can have any suitable orientation in a three-dimensional space, such as vertical, horizontal, etc. The frame 110 can include a plurality of brackets 130, which may interconnect together or may be positioned adjacent to one another. In any case, the brackets 130 of the frame 110 can secure the nonplanar panels 120, which can collectively form or define the panel system 100.

The nonplanar panels 120 can have the shape and/or size that may vary from one implementation to the next. Also, the panel system 100 can include any number of the nonplanar panels 120, which may have the same, similar, or different sizes and/or shapes as one another. In some implementations, the nonplanar panels 120 may be bent, such as to form an arcuate surface. For example, the nonplanar panels 120 may form an arcuate surface that has a concave or convex shape relative to the support surface. In other words, any one of the nonplanar panels 120 can bulge toward or away from the frame 110.

Furthermore, the curvature of the arcuate surface of the nonplanar panels 120 may have any suitable orientation relative to the frame 110 and/or to the support surface that can secure the frame 110. For instance, the curvature of nonplanar panels 120 a, 120 b may have an approximately horizontal orientation, while the curvature of the nonplanar panels 120 c, 120 d can have an approximately vertical orientation. Accordingly, the frame 110 can include the brackets 130 that can secure the nonplanar panels 120 (e.g., nonplanar panels 120 a, 120 b, 120 c, 120 d) in corresponding orientations, as further described below.

In any case, the installer can secure the brackets 130 to the support surface and can subsequently secure the nonplanar panels 120 to the brackets 130. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2-3, the brackets 130 can include mounting holes 140 that can allow the installer to connect the brackets 130 to the support surface as well as to one another. For instance, FIG. 2 shows a vertical bracket 130 a that includes a mounting hole 140 a, and a horizontal bracket 130 b that includes a mounting hole 140 b.

In at least one implementation, the installer can connect the brackets 130 a and 130 b to the support surface by passing one or more fasteners through the mounting holes 140 a, 140 b, respectively.

Additionally or alternatively, the mounting holes 140 a, 140 b of the brackets 130 a, 130 b can allow the installer to connect together the brackets 130 a and 130 b. Specifically, a fastener can pass through the mounting holes 140 a and 140 b, thereby connecting the bracket 130 a to the bracket 130 b. Furthermore, a single fastener can connect together the brackets 130 a and 130 b as well as connect the brackets 130 a, 130 b to the support surface by passing through the mounting hole 140 a and through the mounting hole 140 b and coupling to the support surface.

Similarly, more than two of the brackets 130 can connect together and/or to the support surface. For instance, as shown in FIG. 3, brackets 130 a, 130 b, 130 e, and 130 d can connect to the support surface as well as to each other. In particular, a single fastener can connect the brackets 130 a, 130 b, 130 c, 130 d together as well as to the support surface by passing through the mounting holes 140 of the respective brackets 130 a, 130 b, 130 c, 130 d and coupling to the support surface. It should be also appreciated that any one of the brackets 130 can include any number of connection features that can allow the brackets 130 to secure one or more of the nonplanar panels.

In one or more implementations, the brackets 130 can include one or more undercutting portions or projections 150, which can capture and secure at least a portion of the nonplanar panel. In other words, the projections 150 can cooperate or be operably associated with one or more features of the nonplanar panels in a manner that secures the nonplanar panels to one or more of the brackets 130. Furthermore, one of the brackets 130 can include multiple projections 150, each of which can at least partially secure different nonplanar panels.

As described below in further detail, any one of the brackets 130 can include a first projection 150 a and a second projection 150 b. Hence, the projection 150 a can at least partially secure a first nonplanar panel, and the projection 150 b can at least partially secure a second nonplanar panel. In some implementations, the first and second nonplanar panels can be adjacent to one another. Consequently, a single bracket 130 can at least partially secure two adjacent nonplanar panels (e.g., can secure one side of each of the adjacent panels).

Implementations also can include a bracket 130 c, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4B, which may have one or more cutaways 160. Specifically, a width of the cutaways 160 can be similar to or the same as the width of any one of the brackets 130 (FIGS. 1-3). Thus, one or more of the brackets or portions thereof can fit into the cutaways 160 to form a cross connection therebetween. In one example, a bracket can fit into the cutaways 160 of the bracket 130 e in a manner that allows the installer to secure the bracket 130 e to the bracket (or multiple brackets) positioned within the cutaways 160. For instance, a fastener can pass through the bracket as well as through a mounting holes 140 b of the bracket 130 e, thereby connecting the bracket 130 e to the bracket positioned within the cutaways 160.

Moreover, it should be appreciated that any one of the brackets 130 (FIGS. 1-3) can include a single cutaways 160 or multiple cutaways 160 thereon. Accordingly, any one of the brackets can form cross joints with any other bracket and can connect together to form the frame (e.g., frame 110 (FIG. 1)). Additionally, the cutaways 160 can have any number of suitable positions on or along the bracket 130 e, which can determine the spacing between brackets that fit into such cutaways 160. Likewise, the cutaways 160 can have any number of orientations relative to the bracket 130 e (e.g., relative to a longitudinal axis of the bracket 130 e).

Thus, brackets that fit into the cutaways 160 of the bracket 130 e can have any suitable orientation relative to the bracket 130 e. For instance, bracket 130 e can have an approximately orthogonal orientation relative to the brackets that fit into the cutaways 160 (e.g., such as shown in the implementation shown in FIG. 1). The bracket 130 e also can have any number of suitable orientations relative to the brackets that form cross joints therewith, which may include non-orthogonal orientations (i.e., where the brackets form acute and/or obtuse angles therebetween).

As mentioned above, the brackets 130 can include one or more features that can secure one or more nonplanar panels thereto. In at least one implementation, the brackets 130 can include projections 150 that are integrated with a support portion 170 of the brackets 130, as illustrated in FIG. 5. Alternatively or additionally, the projections 150 can connect to (permanently or removably) the support portion 170 of the brackets 130. In any event, the projections 150 and the support portion 170 together can form or define one or more channels, as further described below.

Also, in some implementations, the support portion 170 can connect and/or be secured to the support surface (e.g., the support portion 170 can include one or more mounting holes, such as the mounting holes 140 (FIGS. 2-3) described above. Hence, in some instances, a fastener can connect the support portion 170 to the support surface. Implementations also can include the projections 150 that can connect to the support surface. For instance, the projections 150 can have one or more perforations or mounting holes that can accept a fastener, which can secure the brackets 130 to the support surface.

In any event, as described above, the brackets 130 and various elements or components thereof can be fastened to the support surface. It should be appreciated, however, that the brackets 130 can connect to the support surface in any number of ways. For instance, an adhesive can secure the brackets 130 to the support surface.

The projections 150 can have any number of suitable shapes and configurations, which can vary from one implementation to another. For example, the projections 150 can have a C-shaped or a similar configuration, which can form or define a channel that can secure at least a portion of the nonplanar panel therein. In one or more implementation, at least a portion of the projections 150 and another portion of the brackets 130 form an acute angle relative to each other, thereby forming the channel for securing the nonplanar panel. For instance, the projections 150 can form an acute angle 180 relative to the support portion 170.

Hence, the projections 150 together with the support portion 170 can form one or more channels 190 (e.g., channels 190 a, channels 190 b) therebetween. Each of the channels 190 can at least partially secure a nonplanar panel. Moreover, as noted above, each of the channels 190 can secure a different nonplanar panel. For example, a first channel 190 a can at least partially secure a first nonplanar panel, while a second channel 190 b can at least partially secure a second nonplanar panel.

The channels 190 can at least partially restrain the nonplanar panels from moving away from the brackets 130. Thus, the installer can connect the support portion 170 of the brackets 130 to the support surface, while the channels 190 can secure the nonplanar panels to the brackets 130 and, consequently, to the support surface. Accordingly, the installer can form the panel system 100 (FIG. 1) by connecting the brackets 130 to the support surface and securing the nonplanar panels within the channels 190, thereby connecting or coupling the nonplanar panels to the support surface.

In addition to forming the channels 190, the projections 150 can include elements or components that can further restrain the nonplanar panels relative to the brackets 130. For example, the projections 150 can include a locking hook 200, which can prevent the nonplanar panel from pulling out of the channels 190. Accordingly, the locking hook 200 can reduce or eliminate unintentional disconnection of the nonplanar panels from the brackets 130.

In one implementation, the locking hook 200 can form a distal end of the projection 150. For example, the locking hook 200 can be connected to or integrated with a lower portion 151 of the projection 150 (e.g., the locking hook 200 can extend from the distal end of the lower portion 151). In some instances, the projection 150 also can include a radius extending between the lower portion 151 of the projection 150 and the locking hook 200.

Moreover, the locking hook 200 can be at least partially folded toward the lower portion 151 of the projection 150. For instance, the lower portion 151 and the locking hook 200 can form an acute angle therebetween. Accordingly, the installer can position and lock in place a portion of the nonplanar panel between the lower portion 151 and the locking hook 200 of the projection 150. In other words, the locking hook 200 can be positioned outside of the channel 190 and can at least partially enclose the channel 190, thereby restraining or maintaining a portion of the nonplanar panel within the channel 190.

It should be appreciated that any of the brackets 130 can include multiple channels and projections, which can be similar to or the same as the respective channels 190 and projections 150. In some instances, the brackets 130 can include two opposing channels extending along the longitudinal axis of the brackets 130 (e.g., the bracket 130 can be extruded to have channels 190 that span the entire length thereof). Also, the channels 190 can face or open in opposing directions relative to each other. In other words, openings of the channels 190, which can accept nonplanar panels, can face away from each other. Accordingly, a single bracket can secure a first nonplanar panel in a first channel and a second nonplanar panel in a second channel. Moreover, the first and second nonplanar panels can extend away from each other.

In addition, in some implementations, the nonplanar panel can include corresponding features that can interlock with or be secured to the locking hook 200 of the projections 150, as further described below. In other words, at least a portion of the nonplanar panel can operably interface with and connect to the projections 150, thereby securing the nonplanar panel to the brackets 130. Implementations also can allow the installer to remove the nonplanar panel from the brackets 130, for instance, by disconnecting corresponding portions of the nonplanar panels from the projections 150.

The brackets 130 can include or comprise any suitable material, which can vary from one implementation to another. For example, the brackets 130 may comprise an extruded or stamped and/or folded aluminum, sheet steel, plastics, as well as other suitable materials and combinations thereof. Moreover, the panel system may include multiple brackets 130, which may comprise the same, similar, or different materials as one another.

As described above, the nonplanar panels can connect to the frame, which can be formed from one or more brackets 130, thereby forming the panel system. An exemplary nonplanar panel 120 is illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6D. Specifically, FIG. 6A illustrates an inward facing side of the nonplanar panel 120. In some implementations, the nonplanar panel 120 may have a substantially smooth or untextured surface. Alternatively, the nonplanar panel 120 can have textured, colored, patterned, or otherwise decorated surface.

Also, the nonplanar panel 120 can include curved perimeter portions 210. In particular, the curved perimeter portions 210 can allow the nonplanar panel 120 adjacent to one another in the panel system to form a substantially seamless installation. For example, as the nonplanar panel 120 bends about an axis 10, and adjacent nonplanar panels can be bend about an axis approximately orthogonal to the axis 10. The curved perimeter portions 210 can allow adjacent nonplanar panels that are, for instance, bent about orthogonal axes to be positioned next to each other without a gap therebetween. It should be appreciated that the curved perimeter portions 210 can have a suitable shape to seal against an outward facing side of an adjacent nonplanar panel of any shape, size, and configuration, such as to minimize or eliminate a gap between the nonplanar panel 120 and the adjacent nonplanar panels.

As mentioned above, the nonplanar panel 120 can fit into the channels formed by the projections, thereby connecting to the brackets. For example, the nonplanar panel 120 can include a first side 121 and a second side 122 that can fit into the channels in the opposing brackets of the frame. Moreover, in an uninstalled configuration, the nonplanar panel 120 may be approximately flat or planar. Accordingly, the installer can bend twist or otherwise shape the nonplanar panel 120 during the installation thereof. For instance, the opposing brackets of the frame can be spaced apart at a distance that is less than the distance between the first and second sides 121, 122 of the panel 120 in an unbent or planar configuration. Consequently, the installer can bend the nonplanar panel 120 about the axis 10 thereby reducing the distance between the first and second sides 121, 122 and positioning the first and second sides 121, 122 in the channels in the opposing brackets.

Additionally, in at least one implementation, the nonplanar panel 120 can include one or more panel-side locks 123, as illustrated in FIGS. 6C-6D. For instance, the panel-side locks 123 can face outward or away from an outward facing side 124 of the nonplanar panel 120. Accordingly, bending the nonplanar panel 120 about an axis, such that the outward facing side 124 bulges in the outward direction, out of the planar configuration, can align the panel-side locks 123 with the locking hooks of the brackets. Thus, inserting the first and second sides 121, 122 of the nonplanar panel 120 into the respective channels in the brackets can lock the panel-side locks 123 to the locking hooks. In one example, the panel-side locks 123 can be oriented approximately parallel to the locking hooks.

Also, the panel-side locks 123 can form an acute angle relative to the outward facing side 124. As such, the locking hook and the panel-side locks 123 can operably connect together and can prevent the nonplanar panel 120 from pulling out of the channels in the brackets. For example connection between the locking hooks and the panel-side locks 123 can prevent unintentional disconnection of the nonplanar panel 120 from the frame.

The nonplanar panel 120 can include and comprise any number of suitable materials, which may vary from one implementation to another. For instance, such materials can be sufficiently flexible to allow bending and/or shaping of the nonplanar panel 120 to a desired configuration. As mentioned above, the nonplanar panel 120 can be bent or shaped into the desired configuration and can remain in such configuration after connecting to the frame. Alternatively, the nonplanar panel 120 can include or comprise rigid material and may have a nonplanar shape before installation. In any event, the nonplanar panel 120 can include or comprise metal (e.g., steel, aluminum, brass, etc.), plastic, glass, stone as well as other materials and combinations thereof.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

We claim:
 1. A panel system for providing concealment, protection, aesthetic enhancement, and combinations thereof for a support surface, the panel system comprising: a plurality of brackets securable to the support surface, each of the plurality of brackets including: a support portion; a channel defined by a lower portion of a projection connected to or integrated with the support portion; and a locking hook extending from a distal end of the lower portion and at least partially enclosing the channel; and a panel having a first edge positionable within the channel and securable therein by the locking hook.
 2. The panel system as recited in claim 1, wherein the panel has a nonplanar configuration.
 3. The panel system as recited in claim 1, wherein the panel includes a panel-side lock extending in an outward facing direction.
 4. The panel system as recited in claim 3, wherein the panel-side lock forms an acute angle with an outward facing side of the panel.
 5. The panel system as recited in claim 3, wherein the panel-side lock is operably engageable with the locking hook of the bracket.
 6. The panel system as recited in claim 3, wherein the panel-side lock and the locking hook of the bracket have approximately parallel orientation relative to each other.
 7. A panel system for providing concealment, protection, aesthetic enhancement, and combinations thereof for a support surface, the panel system comprising: a frame including a first bracket and a second, opposing bracket; wherein: the first bracket includes a first support portion and a first projection defining a first channel therebetween, the first projection including a first locking hook at least partially enclosing the first channel; the second bracket includes a second support portion and a second projection defining a second channel therebetween, the second projection including a second locking hook at least partially enclosing the second channel; and a nonplanar panel having a first side thereof secured within the first channel and a second, opposing side thereof secured with the second channel, the first side including a first panel-side lock restrained within the first channel by the first locking hook, and the second side including a second panel-side lock restrained within the second channel by the second locking hook.
 8. The panel system as recited in claim 7, wherein the first panel-side lock extends outward from and forms an acute angle with an outward facing side of the nonplanar panel.
 9. The panel system as recited in claim 8, wherein first bracket further comprises a third projection defining a third, the third channel facing away from the first channel.
 10. The panel system as recited in claim 9, further comprising a second nonplanar panel at least partially secured within the third channel of the first bracket.
 11. The panel system as recited in claim 10, wherein the second panel extends away from the first panel.
 12. The panel system as recited in claim 7, wherein the nonplanar panel includes one or more curved perimeter portions.
 13. The panel system as recited in claim 12, wherein the one or more curved perimeter portions extend between the first and second sides of the nonplanar panel.
 14. The panel system as recited in claim 13, wherein the one or more curved perimeter portions substantially seal against an outward facing side of the second nonplanar panel.
 15. A method of covering or concealing a support surface with nonplanar panels, the method comprising: securing a first bracket to the support surface, the first bracket including a first channel and a first locking hook at least partially blocking the first channel; securing a second bracket to the support surface, the second bracket including a second channel and a second locking hook at least partially blocking the second channel, and a third channel and a third locking hook at least partially blocking the third channel; securing a third bracket to the support surface, the third bracket including a fourth channel and a fourth locking hook at least partially blocking the fourth channel; securing a first side of a first panel within the first channel of the first bracket and a second side of the first panel within the second channel of the second bracket; and securing a first side of a second panel within the third channel of the second bracket and a second side of the second panel within the fourth channel of the third bracket.
 16. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein securing a first side of the first panel within the first channel of the first bracket and a second side of the first panel within the second channel of the second bracket comprises positioning at least a portion of the first side of the first panel behind the first panel-side lock and positioning at least a portion of the second side of the first panel behind the second panel-side lock.
 17. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein securing the first side of the second panel within the third channel of the second bracket and the second side of the second panel within the fourth channel of the third bracket comprises positioning at least a portion of the first side of the second panel behind the third panel-side lock and positioning at least a portion of the second side of the second panel behind the fourth panel-side lock. 